By Paul Dean
on behalf of Codsall & Bilbrook History Society

It was with shock and great sadness that we learnt of the sudden death of Ken Gilks on 29 December, 2021. Many of you will know Ken who was a member of Codsall & Bilbrook History Society for over twenty years and a valued member of the Committee since 2008.

He was a man of many talents and interests which he brought to the Society in a number of ways. Members will remember the numerous presentations he gave to the Society over the years, delivered in his unique and amusing style. Not only did he provide these as part of the planned programme but also was prepared to use them for the group in an emergency when a speaker had to withdraw at short notice. Indeed he did so on more than one occasion! He was a born entertainer able to present a serious subject with an element of humour which was always appreciated by his audience. This skill, honed over many years teaching pupils of differing ages and with a variety of abilities, was enhanced by using his own undoubted musical skills. The Society benefited from this during at least one Christmas meeting!

As a hard-working member of the Committee we were able to benefit from his wide local knowledge and his deep interest in the area’s history. He made significant contributions to our exhibitions and activity weekends, providing material and assisting members’ presentation and format of displays. He was a talented user of technology which he never hesitated to use for the Society’s benefit. Many of you will remember him trying to ensure that visiting speakers were able to be heard by the audience and his humorous aside if and when things didn’t go quite right.

Ken was a local boy and knew both the area and many of the long-time residents extremely well. He would be able to inform the Committee members of new developments and ‘pending’ changes before anyone else knew about them. His contributions to Committee meetings were always helpful and frequently amusing. Ken was always prepared to help others and if necessary, take the lead. This was something he did quite recently when he led the Society’s efforts to recognise and record the site of Dead Woman’s Grave at Codsall Wood. Thanks to his efforts the site is now marked by a plaque which will be there for future generations and a lasting legacy to Ken.

He will be missed by many people in Codsall and the surrounding area, from his cycling chums to supporters of the Air Ambulance and Cosford Museum, as well as the many groups who invited him to speak to them on one of the subjects from his lengthy repertoire.

We know that you would wish us to pass on everyone’s sympathy to Eileen, Ken’s wife of more than 60 years, and their family. We offer them our deepest condolences and share their sad loss. The History Society will be the poorer for his absence and the Society’s Committee will never be quite the same again.

* Ken’s funeral took place on Tuesday 18th January, 2022, at Telford Crematorium.